a sportswriter's thesaurus: "shock" and "stun"

Shock. Stun.

In the world of sport, both are clichés, perhaps because commentators and pundits and analysts are so assured of their rightness, or the rightness of power rankings, polls, win-loss records.

We all know it's not so simple. (Don't bet on sports.) But our knowledge is buried under heaps of hype. It's far easier to stem the symptoms than to cure the disease.

So, sportswriters, here are several verbs you should employ instead of "shock" or "stun" or their variants, with explanations, connotations, and sample headlines.

Amaze
"To overwhelm with surprise or sudden wonder; astonish greatly."
Not just astonishment, but a sense of near-gratitude for one's role in the stomping, whether victim or spectator.
Trojans Amaze Irish, Raise BCS Prospects

Astonish
The word probably derives from the Latin attonāre, to strike with lightning. Perfect for the subtle punster. (See also astound.)
Tampa Bay Lightning Astonish Sharks

Daze
Etymologically, it implies weariness--not just being stunned mentally, but beaten down physically. Think of a boxer counting sparrows on the mat.
Knicks Daze Everyone, Win

Dumbfound
To make speechless. If you can dumbfound any personality in sports, an industry that thrives on words, words, words, you've done something truly special.
Titans Dumbfound Giants

Flabbergast
Of unknown origin, the word, three syllables of confusion, is a treat for the eye and ear. Flah-bur-gahst. Yum. Combine with monosyllables for effect. (Why is "monosyllabic" polysyllabic?)
Pats Flabbergast Bears

Floor
Going back to the world of boxing for a moment, let's recall our heavyweight pugilist, examining puddles of perspiration close-up.
Cubs Floor Cards

Flummox
Uncertain origin, but works well with football, for obvious reasons.
Colts Flummox Eagles

Petrify
As Jesus once said, "You are Petra (Greek for 'rock'), and on this rock I will build my offense." Peter went on to lead the league in touchdowns and yards per carry.
Seahawks Petrify Rams

Stupefy
Underused, underappreciated, and it's a pity.
Spurs Stupefy Sonics, Sonics Stupefy Fans